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“I think I could be even bigger, like a Michael Jordan”: When young Tiger Woods showed supreme self-belief, said he could be golf GOAT

Amulya Shekhar
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"I think I could be even bigger, like a Michael Jordan": When young Tiger Woods showed supreme self-belief, said he could be golf GOAT

A video of Tiger Woods as a youngster has recently become viral. Wood talks about how he views himself as a potential ‘Michael Jordan of golf’.

Whenever we talk about the most dominant athletes in USA’s sporting history, 2 names are prominently featured. Both Michael and Tiger are arguably the GOATs of their respective sports. Woods’ ascent began right at the peak of Michael Jordan’s fame and success.

Tiger Woods’ 12-hole victory in his first appearance at the Masters is an improbably high bar for golfers. He went 18-under par at that tournament after getting off to a 4-over start on the front nine on his first day.

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Woods has totaled 15 grand slam wins in 23 years since. He’s got the second most major wins after Jack Nicklaus, and he’s not done yet. In terms of peak play, nobody in golf history measures up to his 3-year spell from 1999-2002.

A young Tiger Woods talks about the possibility of being golf’s Michael Jordan

On his birthday yesterday, Ballislife tweeted an old clip of a Woods interview. In this, he’s seen speaking with utter self-confidence about the trajectory his career could take, even at the age of 14. Woods didn’t shy away from comparing himself to the GOATs:

“Since I’m black, I might even be bigger than Jack Nicklaus. I might be even bigger than him, to the blacks. I might be sort of like a Michael Jordan in basketball.”

Also Read: “Michael Jordan is more beloved than LeBron James”: Colin Cowherd explains why Bulls legend is a global phenomenon unlike the Lakers star

As things turned out, Tiger did indeed become an icon much like Mike. He was idolized by all Americans alike until the unearthing of his infidelity in 2009 and the subsequent divorce proceedings. Woods staged a comeback numerous times from those setbacks since, increasing his Major count to 15.

About the author

Amulya Shekhar

Amulya Shekhar

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Amulya Shekhar is a sports junkie who thrives on the thrills and frills of live sports action across basketball, football (the American variant works too), parkour, adventure sports. He believes sports connect us to our best selves, and he hopes to help people experience sports more holistically.

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